5 Health Risks That Can Result from Poor Menstrual Hygiene
Share
Menstruation comes with its fair share of misconceptions, myths, and cultural beliefs. And while there are those working to change societal attitudes, until that happens, it is the common woman who suffers. The negativity around menstruation leads to poor menstrual hygiene practices that affect millions of women worldwide.
Globally, more than 500 million women and girls lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for proper menstrual hygiene management. This staggering statistic reveals that menstrual hygiene is not just a personal issue. It's a global health crisis affecting education, economic participation, and women's overall well-being.
What Proper Menstrual Hygiene Actually Requires
Before we look into the health risks that can result from poor menstrual hygiene, let's understand more about what constitutes proper menstrual hygiene practices.
To begin with, a woman needs to manage her menstrual hygiene in a private space, and often this is hard to come by. In rural areas of Niger, fewer than 50% of women have access to private spaces for managing their menstrual hygiene. The other essentials include access to clean water and soap every few hours, hygienic menstrual products, and a safe disposal method.
For most of us, these may not count as much, but for millions of people faced with the taboo of society, even these basics are a huge blessing. For example, some communities forbid women from drying their menstrual clothes openly. The result? Women end up wearing damp clothes, dramatically increasing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
The Knowledge Gap Crisis
Even those who don't have to deal with direct societal pressures may not be aware of how to maintain proper menstrual hygiene. In India, 50% of young women still use cloth during their menstrual period, which can be unhygienic without proper cleaning and drying.
For example, some women believe in wearing two or more pads when they have a heavy flow. This actually works against them, as they tend to wait until both pads fill up before changing, resulting in poor hygiene management and creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Only 2 out of 5 schools globally provide menstrual health education, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive education programs that teach girls and women about safe menstrual hygiene practices.
The Devastating Health Consequences
Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to numerous serious health problems. Research shows that poor menstrual hygiene is responsible for almost 70 per cent of reproductive illnesses in Indian women. We at Staysure take you through five of the most critical health risks:
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The Most Common Risk
This common infection amongst women is characterized by a burning feeling while urinating, dark-colored and foul-smelling urine, pain in the abdomen, and maybe even fever and chills among other symptoms. It occurs when harmful bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing infection.
How Poor Menstrual Hygiene Leads to UTI:
Improper washing of external genitalia, especially during menstruation, and the use of unhygienic menstrual products can cause UTI. When sanitary pads are not changed frequently enough (experts recommend changing every 4-6 hours), bacteria multiply rapidly in the warm, moist environment, increasing the risk of infection.
Research indicates that 50% of women experience recurrent UTIs on an annual basis, with poor menstrual hygiene being a significant contributing factor. Women who use reusable pads without proper washing and drying face an even higher risk.
Prevention Tips:
- Change pads every 4-6 hours, or more frequently during heavy flow
- Always wash your hands before and after changing menstrual products
- Wipe from front to back to prevent bacterial transfer
- Stay well-hydrated to help flush out bacteria
- Use clean, hygienic menstrual products
2. Yeast Infections (Candidiasis): The Fungal Threat
Yeast is a kind of fungus that naturally exists in the vagina in balanced amounts. When an infection occurs, it means that there is too much yeast being produced. While there are many reasons for yeast infections to occur, hormonal changes during menstruation are one main trigger.
When estrogen drops before and during menstruation, it reduces the protective Lactobacilli bacteria, making the vaginal environment more vulnerable to harmful organisms. This coupled with poor menstrual hygiene, such as wearing damp pads or not changing products frequently, is a recipe for disaster.
Common Symptoms:
- Intense itching and irritation in the vaginal area
- Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Burning sensation during urination or intercourse
Risk Factors During Menstruation:
- Wearing pads or tampons for too long
- Using scented products that disrupt vaginal pH
- Wearing tight, non-breathable underwear
- Not maintaining proper genital hygiene
3. Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) & Cervical Cancer: The Silent Danger
Beginning in the cervix, harmful bacteria can enter a woman's bloodstream, causing reproductive tract infections (RTIs). When these are left untreated, they can further lead to serious complications, including an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Studies found that 62.4% of women were diagnosed with at least one reproductive tract infection, with poor menstrual hygiene practices being a significant risk factor. These infections include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and other bacterial infections that can ascend to the upper reproductive tract.
The Connection to Cervical Cancer:
While the exact causes of cervical cancer include primarily Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, lack of menstrual hygiene is a contributing factor that increases susceptibility to infections. Every year, 132,000 Indian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and unhygienic menstrual practices increase vulnerability to infections that may elevate cancer risk.
Warning Signs of RTIs:
- Unusual vaginal discharge with foul odor
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Irregular bleeding between periods
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower abdominal tenderness
4. Fungal Infections and Skin Irritations: The Visible Impact
Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to various fungal infections and skin infections, including rash, redness, itching, and severe discomfort in the genital area. These conditions arise when:
- Pads are worn for extended periods (more than 6-8 hours)
- Moisture is trapped against the skin
- Unhygienic or makeshift materials are used as pads
- The genital area is not properly cleaned
Moisture Trap Effect:
When menstrual blood remains in contact with the skin for prolonged periods, it creates an ideal breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. The warm, moist environment between the pad and skin becomes a perfect incubator for infections. This is why changing pads regularly is crucial, even on lighter flow days.
Impact on Quality of Life:
These infections can cause severe discomfort, affecting daily activities, sleep quality, and overall confidence. In Chad and Central African Republic, more than 30% of women and girls did not participate in school, work, and social activities during menstruation due to hygiene-related issues.
5. Hepatitis B: The Serious Infection Risk
Hepatitis B is a serious infection affecting the liver. Symptoms include nausea, extreme weakness, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis B is largely transmitted through bodily fluids, including menstrual discharge.
How Poor Menstrual Hygiene Spreads Hepatitis B:
Failing to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after changing a sanitary napkin can increase the risk of developing or spreading Hepatitis B. The virus can survive outside the body for up to 7 days and remain capable of causing infection during this time.
Critical Prevention Measures:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling menstrual products
- Dispose of used pads properly by wrapping them in paper or disposal bags
- Never share menstrual products with others
- Ensure proper wound care if you have any cuts on your hands
The Broader Health Implications
Women should not be forced to suffer these health risks in silence. They should be able to openly address these health issues without shame or stigma. Also, as we can see, even women who can be open about menstruation need education about proper hygiene habits.
Impact on Reproductive Health
Poor menstrual hygiene poses a serious threat to a woman's reproductive health and can lead to:
- Future infertility issues
- Pregnancy complications
- Increased risk of preterm birth
- Low birth weight babies
- Stillbirth in severe cases
Poor menstrual hygiene can result in reproductive and urinary tract infections, which can lead to future infertility and birth complications.
Economic and Social Impact
The consequences of poor menstrual hygiene extend beyond health. Girls miss an average of 5 school days per month due to inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities. In Australia, 56% of women missed work due to their period, with the economic cost estimated at $9.6 billion annually. Stigma and shame around menstruation also contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Best Practices for Optimal Menstrual Hygiene
Essential Hygiene Steps:
1. Change Frequently:
Change your pad or tampon every 4-6 hours, even if it's not completely soaked
2. Wash Properly:
Clean the genital area with water during every pad change. Avoid using harsh soaps
3. Hand Hygiene:
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after changing menstrual products
4. Proper Disposal:
Wrap used pads properly and dispose of them in designated bins
5. Choose Quality Products:
Use clean, hygienic, and tested menstrual products from trusted brands
6. Wear Breathable Fabrics:
Choose cotton underwear during menstruation to allow air circulation
7. Stay Dry:
Avoid wearing damp pads or clothes. Ensure reusable pads are completely dry before use
When to Seek Medical Help:
Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Persistent foul-smelling discharge
- Severe itching or burning that doesn't improve
- Unusual pain or bleeding
- Fever or chills
- Symptoms of infection that persist beyond your period
The Role of Education and Access
Less than 1 in 3 schools globally have bins for menstrual waste in girls' toilets, highlighting the infrastructure gaps that contribute to poor menstrual hygiene. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach.
What's Needed:
1. Policy Changes:
Governments must integrate menstrual hygiene management into health and education policies
2. Infrastructure Development:
Schools, workplaces, and public spaces need adequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities
3. Affordable Products:
Menstrual products should be accessible and affordable for all women
4. Comprehensive Education:
Schools must provide proper menstrual health education to both girls and boys
Breaking the Silence: The Way Forward
Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by approximately 2 billion people worldwide. Despite this universality, stigma, neglect, and taboos remain common in many cultures. The deconstruction of these harmful attitudes requires education, open conversation, and scientific understanding.
What You Can Do:
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about proper menstrual hygiene practices
Break the Taboo: Have open conversations about menstruation with daughters, friends, and family
Support Others: Share knowledge and resources with those who may lack access
Advocate for Change: Support policies that improve menstrual health access and education
Choose Quality: Invest in reliable menstrual products that protect your health
Staysure's Commitment to Women's Health
At Staysure, menstrual hygiene is of prime importance to us. Using our wide range of products correctly, women can go through their menstrual cycle comfortably and, most importantly, hygienically. Our products are designed with:
7-Layer Protection Technology: Maximum absorption and leak-proof security
Antibacterial Materials: Reduce the risk of infections
Breathable Design: Prevent moisture buildup and skin irritation
Skin-Friendly Materials: Suitable for sensitive skin
Proper Length and Coverage: Ensure complete protection during all activities
The Bottom Line: Your Health Matters
Menstrual health is directly related to proper knowledge of self-care, understanding the menstrual cycle, access to quality products, and maintaining hygienic practices throughout your period. Don't compromise on your health. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to serious, long-term health consequences that affect your quality of life, fertility, and overall well-being.
Remember: Good menstrual hygiene is not a luxury. It's a fundamental right and a crucial component of women's health.
Take charge of your menstrual health today. Choose quality products, practice proper hygiene, and never hesitate to seek medical attention when something doesn't feel right. Your body deserves the best care, especially during menstruation.
Stay informed. Stay healthy. Stay protected with proper menstrual hygiene.
For more information on menstrual health and hygiene, consult healthcare professionals or visit reputable health organizations' websites. Together, we can break the stigma and ensure every woman has access to the information, products, and facilities needed for healthy menstrual hygiene management.